Bank Group to host a Conference on Financial Sector Development in African States Facing Fragile Situations

Senior policy-makers, financial institutions executives and development partners will convene in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from June 28 to 29, 2016 to examine how best to promote the development of effective financial systems in African countries facing fragile situations.

The conference is organized jointly by the African Development Bank, through its Financial Sector, Transition Support and Private Sector departments, the Making Finance Work for Africa Partnership (MFW4A), FSD Africa, First Initiative and the Initiative for Risk Mitigation in Africa (IRMA).

Over two days, the conference will offer a platform for Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors of Regional Member Countries (RMCs) facing fragile situations, development partners, financial institutions in Africa and abroad to share knowledge and experience. Participants will also identify innovative policies and private sector-led solutions to accelerate financial sector development in African countries facing fragile situations.

Stefan Nalletamby, AfDB Acting Vice-President for Infrastructure, Private Sector and Regional Integration, said, “We are proud to be hosting this regional conference as the continent’s economic transformation requires a strong and inclusive financial system. This reflects not only the need to include experts from Africa and abroad in these important discussions, but also the leadership role the Bank is playing in strengthening Africa’s financial sector.”

“Developing Africa’s financial sector is imperative, especially in countries facing fragility and where development needs are particularly more important,” said David Ashiagbor, MFW4A Partnership Coordinator. Joe Huxley, Strategic Partnership and Opportunities Coordinator at FSD Africa, said, “As African economies and financial markets mature, it is critical that no-one is left behind. That is why FSD African has taken a strategic decision to focus on fragile and conflict-affected states from 2016 – to support the well-being of the most vulnerable and marginalized on the continent.”

The objective of the conference is to provide a forum for free-flowing discussion amongst all participants. The marketplace on the second day will allow delegates to identify opportunities for collaboration and partnerships with fellow participants.